By Atoyebi Nike
Nepal on Wednesday marked a national day of mourning for 73 people killed during anti-corruption protests that forced the resignation of the government.
Flags flew at half-mast across the country, with the victims declared martyrs and promised state honours at their cremations.
The violence erupted on September 8 after a brief ban on social media sparked nationwide anger over corruption and economic hardship. Government offices, hotels, and other buildings were set ablaze during the unrest.
Sushila Karki, 73, a former chief justice, has been sworn in as interim prime minister with a six-month mandate to restore order and prepare elections.
Police spokesman Binod Kharel confirmed the death toll at 73, including security officers and inmates. More than 13,500 prisoners escaped during the chaos, though 5,000 have since returned.
A fifth of Nepal’s youth remain unemployed, with GDP per capita at just $1,447, according to World Bank data, a backdrop to the nationwide anger.
